Disclaimer: I may use culinary terms without holding firmly to their exact definitions.

To me eggplant parmesan consists of eggplant, marinara, and melted cheese. The cheese could be mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, or some other variety. The eggplant does not have to be breaded. It is served warm with or without pasta. That’s your choice.

With the warmth of summer here, many of my meals are cooked outside in the grill. Even with central air conditioning, I don’t feel an overwhelming need to bake something in the oven. I save those meals for the chill of fall, winter, and spring. Yes, one of the joys of living in New Hampshire is that three-fourths of the year is cold.

However, hot weather doesn’t mean the end to a comfort food, such as eggplant parm. It just means that a little creativity needs to be used to build a summer version of the dish.

The eggplant was easy- slice and grill, then top with mozzarella just before removing from heat.

The marinara was easily replaced with an Italian salsa of sorts.

Find some bread to turn it into a sandwich, and you have a delightful summer spin on eggplant parmesan. Or at least, I think you do.

The next time you’re thinking about what to grill, consider something besides the typical burgers and hot dogs. This simple dish is sure to put a twist on a grilled dinner.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich

2016-07-18 16:20:32

Yields 4

A delicious way to have eggplant parm in the summer

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Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

Ingredients

2 tomatoes, diced

fresh basil, minced

2 Tb. balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

medium eggplant, sliced thickly

extra virgin olive oil

fresh mozzarella

bread, your choice*

Instructions

In a small bowl combine tomatoes, basil, and vinegar.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare grill according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Brush one side of eggplant slice with olive oil and place on prepared grill.

Cook for 3 minutes or until golden brown. While griling, brush second side with oil.